Students are given the opportunity to work on real-world projects with tech companies in the Bay Area and Silicon Valley, or with an academic organization on a research project.

The master's project is similar to an internship, but with the added bonus of academic guidance and access to the department’s resources. It’s a great way for students to apply classroom knowledge in a practical setting, and to make contacts in the industry as graduation nears.

At the beginning of the fall semester, potential sponsors pitch projects. Students form teams and begin the software development process. Guided by both faculty and industry sponsors, students work on their master's project 12-20 hours a week for 15 weeks. Students often express how much they learn in this intense course, and some obtain jobs with the company they work with or from contacts they make. For example, our students have been hired as engineers following their projects with SnapLogic.